Algorithmic thermaling, perhaps available later for commercial
use

https://www.yahoo.com/news/naval-research-laboratory-teaching-drones-211800473.html

The Naval Research Laboratory has created software to allow
unmanned planes to fly for longer than previously thought possible by using
algorithms to locate thermals...

The ALOFT system uses sensors already built into aircraft for measuring
information related to airspeed, altitude, GPS and other data. It then logs data
whenever it senses the plane getting a lift from rising air currents and based
on what is called a “nonlinear curve fit,” figures out the GPS points for where
it thinks thermals are located.

While early flights using the ALOFT software proved a success, what is even more
exciting is the current direction of the project, which aims to get multiple
unmanned aerial vehicles sharing information with one another.

“We’ve created cooperative soaring, during which a number of aircraft all do
their own localized sensing and then share their data with the others,” Edwards
said. “Just like a flock of birds, each bird is independent, but they will also
look at their neighbors to find the best thermals for soaring.”

Going forward, Edwards told us he hoped ALOFT may be incorporated into a growing
number of autopilot systems. “What we’re doing at the Naval Research Lab is
carrying out research that can then transition out to the wider world,” he said.
“I think it would be really interesting to get this technology out to industry
for both civilian and military uses.”

Thanks to Brad Kushner.